Good Monday morning everyone. Yesterday saw the end of our first full month at City Life Centre and was another fabulous day. Thanks to all those who, in this first month, have been so regular and so committed to what we are doing. We are still in the "Early Day's" season, but a great sense of expectancy as we move from one week to the next. Your ongoing and regular support is deeply appreciated.
Sunday Morning: For unforeseen technical reasons I have left off speaking on Hosea until the New Year (wow - New Year!!!). So yesterday morning I brought a one-off message entitled "Christians Under Pressure". I got an amazing sense during the teaching, which was confirmed several times afterwards, that this was a very timely message. The message has been recorded and can be ordered from Colin Morrison, our Church Administrator at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com
The main points of the message were:
There's only one way to work and minister, and that's under pressure. Yet there are those who use pressure as an excuse to opt out of something, rather than using it to motivate into involvement. So that everyone else get's blamed for them not being at church; not being involved and not reaching out to befriend.
We are all Under Pressure: There is pressure being a Pastor; there is pressure being a Christian; there is pressure in Life. No one has a monopoly on pressure.
Pressure has a twofold potential: It has the potential to Break You, and it has the potential to Make You. The same powerful winds that have the potential of throwing an eagle against the rocks and destroying it, also have the potential of lifting that same eagle above those same destructive forces and threatening rocks.
How do we rise up like the eagle? Isa. 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint". This is the starting point. You begin by waiting upon the Lord.
Pressure builds Character: The great Characters in the Bible were people who are remembered not for what they became, but are remembered for what they came through. We looked at Joseph; Daniel; David; and Paul, and we saw that the devil means for evil, God means for good.
Sunday night:
This was our first end of the month Special. Thanks again to all those who came out. It was another great night. It was great to see our Drama Team back in "Action". They did another fabulous presentation. Thanks Alison for stepping back in. We are now looking for more.
Jim Rea, Shankill Methodist Minister, was our guest speaker. He took to the platform and very quickly connected with us and we with him. His mannerism and presentation warmed him immediately to everyone present. His message focused on evangelism and on five ways that people are converted to Christ. These points were as follows:
1. Direct communication from God. For Saul of Tarsus, this was through a direct connection with Jesus Christ.
2. The Presentation (preaching) of God's Word. On the Day of Pentecost people were convicted as the Word was preached.
3. When the Word of God is Explained. In Acts 8 Phillip explained the Word of God to the Ethiopian who became a Christian.
4. Personal Introduction by others. Andrew introduced his brother Simon (who became Peter) to Jesus.
5. When people pray for the lost. Acts 2 "They prayed continually, and the Lord added to the church..."
Thanks again to Jim Rea for being our guest speaker at this Monthly Special. He mentioned Andy Terry last night who has been a Christian now for 6 years. We will try to book Andy for his testimony at our next Monthly Special which will be the last Sunday night in January.
OK, some announcements for the month of December:
GLOW: Next Sunday night, 6 December at 7 pm, GLOW will be meeting. Once again ladies, this is your opportunity to get out and get together without having to look after the kids (including the big kid you're married to!). It's ok if you don't have any kids; this is just a great opportunity for women to meet and socialise and encourage each other. Come on, be positive! And as NIKE says, "Just Do It!"
FIST: Sunday 13 December it will be the men's turn as FIST get together for the evening. More details next week.
Dinner: Saturday 19 December at 7 pm sharp. We have just gone over the 100 mark for those who have booked. Don't be disappointed, book now with our Church Administrator.
Christmas Special: Sunday 20 December at 7 pm. There will be no Sunday morning service that day, but we would ask for a full turn out as we celebrate Christmas together. Details of the programme will be given soon.
Christmas Day 25 December: This has been cancelled due to Rudolf catching the Swine Flu. Oh Dear!
PRAYER: Unless otherwise announced, there will be a Prayer Times at City Life on Mondays from 11 - 12 noon; and on Thursdays from 7.45 - 9pm.
Please keep praying for Eileen's husband Terry in hospital; Billy Haddock's mother in hospital; Violet's son Colin; Colleen's father who is home, but still ill; Jonathan's brother Mark, Ann and Jacqueline's father, and Julie's father. If I have missed any or you want to add someone to the list please email me.
Continue to pray for the church; for all that goes on in it; for all who attend; for those who have been absent; for those who are struggling and for those in need. You might be one of those who needs prayer, but a great starting point is to pray for others. If you do need encouragement or you need a visit, please email me direct and let me know. Your email will be confidential.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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